Anna Maria College closes after 80 years, leaving students in transition
Anna Maria College in Paxton has shut its doors after more than 80 years of serving students. The decision follows years of financial struggles and falling enrolment numbers. Last weekend, the final graduating class received their degrees in a ceremony filled with mixed emotions. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education warned in April that the college might lack the funds to stay open. By May, officials confirmed the closure, leaving around 1,400 undergraduates needing to transfer.
Graduates gathered for one last commencement, where speakers acknowledged the sadness of the moment. Jason Feliciano called the experience 'bittersweet' but urged his classmates to keep pursuing their education despite the setback. He described earning a degree as an accomplishment, especially as the final cohort.
Elizabeth Ansah shared similar feelings, calling the college a 'home' that would be deeply missed. Yet she remained hopeful, believing the graduating class would stay connected like a family. Many students echoed her confidence that the bonds formed at Anna Maria would endure.
Regis College in Weston has stepped in to support displaced students. It will accept transfers from Anna Maria and take over all academic records, easing the transition for those affected. The 2026 class will be the last to graduate from Anna Maria College. While the campus closes, students now face the task of continuing their studies elsewhere. Regis College’s offer to accept transfers provides a clear path forward for many.
